D. C. GrantBesprekingen

A good read about the wreck of the Orpheus in Feb 1863, on a sand bar in the Manukau harbour, told from the point of view of a young stowaway. A good portrait of the harshness of life in the navy and a dramatic description of the the shipwreck, a real event in New Zealand's history - our worst maritime disaster. There is a permanent exhibition on the Orpheus at the Maritime museum and the news reports of the time can be found at Papers Past, digitised new Zealand papers (www.paperspast.natlib.govt.nz). For readers aged 10 - 13.½

Thoroughly enjoyed - highly recommend for senior primary/young adult. Some minor language and references to sex and alcohol.